Nights out in Dublin with a difference

With the holidays fast approaching, we are bombarded with invitations to work Christmas parties, to be the plus ones at other people’s parties who also don’t want to be there, and to catch up with friends whom we haven’t made an effort with all year.

It’s a long and expensive month and can be quite repetitive if we end up going to the same place, sculling drink after drink. In order to combat this, we here at The City have tried and tested some of the best bars around that offer a little more than just alcohol, and will have something for everyone to enjoy. It was a tough job, but someone had to do it!

First up, The Woolshed on Parnell Street; known as a Southern Hemisphere sports bar, they actually cater for a lot more than just sports fans. On Tuesday, they run a free table quiz, which they take pretty seriously as you have to hand over your smartphone so there’ll be no cheating. Grab four of your mates and head for the laugh. They also have some amazing drinks offers, so it won’t leave you afraid to look in your wallet the next morning.

For those of you who can be found singing Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’ at the top of your lungs on Harcourt Street on a Friday night, then karaoke is what you want. Ukiyo Bar on Exchequer Street, offer private karaoke parties. They cater for a range of party sizes and include party platters, wine etc. in order to make your night one to remember, or one you’d rather forget, depending on how good your vocals are.

For craft beer and board game lovers, get yourselves down to PMacs on Stephen’s Street. The quaint, dully lit bar is a sister of Cassidy’s Bar on Westmoreland Street and offers some of the finest craft beers around. They also have poky little pods that can hold up to six people in them, so it’s like having a pint in the comfort of your own home. Also, no one else can see when a heated argument about what colour eyes John has in “Who’s Who?” breaks out.

The International Comedy Club is a hidden gem in Dublin’s fair city. Located on Wicklow Street, above the International Bar, it has hosted some of the finest comedians around, such as Des Bishop, Neil Delamere and Ardal O’Hanlon. At just €10 in Thursday to Sunday, make sure you get down early, as it will sell out, and in such a small and intimate venue, you don’t want to be sitting right up the front. Trust me.

For foodies, looking for something a little different, why not try out some Teppanyaki? Teppanyaki is a Japanese way of cooking meat with veg or fried rice on a hot steel plate, in the middle of the table. Not only is it incredible to watch, it’s also mouthwateringly good. Chai Yo, on Lower Baggot Street offer extremely high quality food and entertainment. And at the end, you’ll enjoy probably the strangest rendition of ‘Kiss From A Rose’ by some very friendly Asian people with guitars. What’s not to love?